This question was created on November 29, 2007 by jdmiles.This question was last modified on November 29, 2007.

ANSWERS AND EXPLANATIONS

A) this type of lesion is associated with a 1% annual risk of acute hemorrhage

This answer is correct.

This photomicrograph shows a cavernous angioma. Cavernous angiomas are most often seen in young adults, and 1/3 of cases present with focal seizures. There is an approximately 1% annual risk of hemorrhage with this type of lesion. Microscopically, cavernous angiomas appear as clusters of dilated, thin-walled blood vessels with no brain tissue in between. Unlike AVMs, there is no arterial component. (See References)

B) lesions of this type are usually incidental findings

This answer is incorrect.

This photomicrograph shows a cavernous angioma. Cavernous angiomas are most often seen in young adults, and 1/3 of cases present with focal seizures. There is an approximately 1% annual risk of hemorrhage with this type of lesion. Microscopically, cavernous angiomas appear as clusters of dilated, thin-walled blood vessels with no brain tissue in between. Unlike AVMs, there is no arterial component. (See References)

C) this type of lesion accounts for 1.5%-4% of all brain masses

This answer is incorrect.

This photomicrograph shows a cavernous angioma. Cavernous angiomas are most often seen in young adults, and 1/3 of cases present with focal seizures. There is an approximately 1% annual risk of hemorrhage with this type of lesion. Microscopically, cavernous angiomas appear as clusters of dilated, thin-walled blood vessels with no brain tissue in between. Unlike AVMs, there is no arterial component. (See References)

D) patients with lesions of this kind have an initial presentation of cerebral hemorrhage in 50% of cases

This answer is incorrect.

This photomicrograph shows a cavernous angioma. Cavernous angiomas are most often seen in young adults, and 1/3 of cases present with focal seizures. There is an approximately 1% annual risk of hemorrhage with this type of lesion. Microscopically, cavernous angiomas appear as clusters of dilated, thin-walled blood vessels with no brain tissue in between. Unlike AVMs, there is no arterial component. (See References)

E) lesions of this type represent a tangled mass of anastamosing veins and arteries

This answer is incorrect.

This photomicrograph shows a cavernous angioma. Cavernous angiomas are most often seen in young adults, and 1/3 of cases present with focal seizures. There is an approximately 1% annual risk of hemorrhage with this type of lesion. Microscopically, cavernous angiomas appear as clusters of dilated, thin-walled blood vessels with no brain tissue in between. Unlike AVMs, there is no arterial component. (See References)